Sunshine, sand, and contest prep

Sunshine, sand and contest prep – what an amazing long weekend! I thought I would share my experiences of traveling, what worked best for me, and how I went about enjoying time in Florida while staring at 6 weeks out from my first show of the spring season.

1. Expectation Setting – Essential to all aspects of life and critical anytime you are stepping outside of your daily routine and traveling. Expecations will obviously vary from person to person. My expectations going into this trip included continuing on my meal plan and workout schedule as if I were at home. No cheats. No missed workouts. Expecatations are not just for you, they need to be set with friends and family that you may be traveling with. Explaining to them your goal and what you hope to accomplish on the vacation will help when restaurant choices come up, help you avoid odd looks when you pull out UMP and oats on the beach, or when you have gone missing at 5am, and they find out you are at the gym.

2. Planning – Contest prep requires planning. Contest prep away from home requires extra planning.

First and foremost, I planned out my 4 days of meals. I simplified my meal plan to include the basics: ground turkey, chicken, UMP, oats, peanut butter, and veggies. I then determined how much of everything I need to purchase at the grocery store upon my arrival. Meals out would not exist, so I decided to search the area for the best coffee spots. Therefore, I could seek out simple pleasures, new coffees, which happen to be my favorite while traveling. I also invested in some ziploc containers and a small lunch tote.
Second, I had to determine what supplements I needed to take. I mixed my pre-workout energy supplement, glutamine, and creatine in one container. I then counted out my other supplements and portioned them into baggies. So food and supplements were set!
Third, I planned out my workouts. I took my workout plan from Julie and plotted it out on the calendar. I determined when I would do my cardio and encorporated activities I wouldn’t usually be able to do. For example, I shot hoops one day, doing squats, sprints on the court, hops over lines, looking like a kid all over again on the basketball court with no skills. But, it sure was a lot of fun. I also took advantage of the beach and went for a long walk and jog. (Not a recorded workout, but a fun activity nonetheless). I located the nearest LA Fitness, which was gorgeous and completed the rest of my cardio and weight training sessions there. I also packed Jillian, so was able to practice yoga a few evenings outside by the pool. Talk about relaxing!

3. Questions to ask – Anything and everything can happen when away from home!

Will you be cooking your food or eating out? HAVE A PLAN
What gym options are around and will you have to modify your routine? GOOGLE TIME!
What will you do if your flight is delayed? Get stuck an extra day? PACK EXTRAS!
What happens if you get stuck without food? PREPARE, DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!
What happens if you totally fall off the wagon? GET RIGHT BACK ON!
What if you miss a workout? GET OVER IT! GO WORKOUT WHEN YOU CAN!

4. Extras

Budget for water at the airport. Good gracious that is expensive! Once you are at your destination, I recommend purchasing or having with you a water bottle. That was my toughest challenge travelling – getting in my gallon of water. I did it, but found myself chugging with dinner.
If a gym is not an option, pack a few DVD’s. Insanity, Yoga with Jillian, TurboFire…all great easy to travel options. Take along your favorite and pop it in during any free time.
Make sure whatever you bring through security is allowed (I got through with a mornings worth of food and supplements with no hassle. However, I had a few Quest Bars packed in case of a delayed flight or such, and those were flagged. Looked like potential explosives? I don’t know…)
Find out what there is to do to keep you distracted from food – if food distracts you like it does me! I found local activities, shopping, and of course a puzzle at night kept my mind off of hunger.
Have a support system – a Team Fitbody friend or anyone who will be there to keep pushing you if things get challenging away from home.
Don’t forget to enjoy your vacation. If you are in the rythym of contest prep, it shouldn’t be too tough, it just takes a little planning. If you are just starting, it may be a tougher adjustment. However, it can be done. I had an amazing 4 day escape and wouldn’t change a thing!